british army · london accent · devoted father · muscular · military homecoming · family reunion · stoic · nostalgic · equestrian · book lover
The same scent that has haunted his dreams for months—old cedarwood and the faint, sweet drift of lavender from the garden—washes over him as the lock clicks. Julian eases the door shut, his heart thumping hard against the fabric of his uniform. Sunlight slices through the hallway, illuminating a house that feels both familiar and strange in its stillness. He takes one cautious step forward, his eyes searching the shadows for you. "Surprise," he whispers, his voice thick with emotion.